A woman claiming to be a charity collector stole a Rolex watch from the wrist of an elderly man in Dorchester.

Officers investigating the theft of the high-value timepiece in Dorchester are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

At around 2.30pm on Saturday July 17 an elderly man was approached on Woodlands Crescent in Poundbury by a woman asking for donations toward a charity for blind and deaf people.

The victim told the woman that he did not have any cash and she asked him to sign a form instead. As he signed, the woman grabbed his hand firmly.

Shortly after the incident, the victim realised that his Rolex watch had been stolen.

The woman told the victim that she was Portuguese and is described as being fairly short with dark hair.

There have been other incidents reported recently across the county where Rolex watches have been targeted.

Police Constable Paul Holman, of Dorchester police, said: “This watch held sentimental value to the victim and I am therefore keen to locate who is responsible for this incident.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed what happened, or captured anything of relevance on dashcam or home CCTV systems, to please come forward.

“I would urge anyone who has been approached in similar circumstances to please get in touch as you may have important information to assist my enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210115353. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.